Deal with Imperial Oil brings brand to Corner Store network in Canada

MONTREAL --CST Brands Inc. has signed an agreement with Imperial Oil Ltd. that will enable CST to resell Esso branded gasoline to Canadian motorists. As a result, CST has added the Esso brand to its portfolio of gasoline brands in its Corner Store network, and it also intends to offer it to its gasoline retailers.

Over the next few months, both companies will identify various sales locations in Canada in order to finalize the new relationship.

"CST's agreement with Imperial is part of our strategic development plan in Canada. By signing agreements with oil companies to market branded fuel, the presence of the Corner Store banners will have a greater presence in the Canadian marketplace," said Christian Houle, senior vice president of Canadian retail for CST Brands Inc. "Adding a recognized brand like Esso will be an asset for CST, which intends to accelerate its development in Toronto and in western Ontario.:

He added, "In 2014, CST continues to execute on its strategic initiatives, which includes building 38 new stores in North America and playing an active role in the consolidation that characterizes the industry in order to boost sales and lower costs."

Calgary, Alberta-based Imperial Oil is an integrated oil company majority owned by Exxon Mobil Corp. It is Canada's major petroleum refiner and a national marketer with coast-to-coast supply and retail networks. Its retail operations include Esso-brand stations and On the Run/Marché Express and Tiger Express-brand convenience stores.

CST Brands is one of the largest retailers of convenience merchandise and motor fuels in North America. Based in San Antonio, Texas, CST operates nearly 1,900 convenience stores throughout the southwestern United States and eastern Canada. It offers a variety of convenience merchandise, beverages, snacks and fresh food.

In Canada, CST operates approximately 850 retail fuel sites in Greater Toronto, Ottawa, the province of Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces. Its Dépanneur du Coin and Corner Store sell signature Transit Café coffee and pastries. It distributes fuel under various brands, including Ultramar, for which it is the exclusive retailer; Ultramar's Pipeline Commercial; and Shell.